# Projects

> Every installation of Directus creates a single project. If you're unfamiliar with Directus Projects, please start by reading our [Platform Overview](#).

## Creating a Project

To install Directus, choose one of the following methods.

* [Command Line Interface (CLI)](/guides/installation/cli.md)
* [Docker](/guides/installation/docker.md)
* [Manually](/guides/installation/manual.md)

### Deployment Guides

* [Amazon AWS](#)
* [DigitalOcean Droplet](#)
* [DigitalOcean One-Click](/guides/installation/digitalocean-one-click.md)
* [Google App Engine](#)
* [Heroku](/guides/installation/heroku.md)
* [Microsoft Azure](#)

## Configuring a Project

All project configuration is handled by the `.env` file within the `/api` directory. This file accepts a number of environment variables, each is explained in the following reference:

* [Environment Variables](#)

## Upgrading a Project

1. Backup your project
2. Run `npm update`
<!-- 3. Run `directus migrate:latest` to update the DB ——— @TODO finalize when CLI is finalized -->

## Backing-up a Project

1. Make a copy of the **files within each storage adapter**, and store them in a safe place
2. Make a copy of the **Env file** (`/api/.env`), and store it in a safe place
3. Run the **Backup API Endpoint** (`/backup`) to create a SQL dump of your database

## Deleting a Project

1. Optional: **Backup any local files** stored within the project's root directory
2. Optional: **Backup any custom code and extensions** within the project's root directory
3. Optional: **Backup your entire database**, only system tables, or only project tables
4. **Delete the project's root directory** from the server
5. **Delete all Directus system tables** (`directus_*`) from the database

::: Pure SQL
After completing this process, you will be left with a pure SQL database, with no trace that Directus was ever installed. Any external services connecting to your database's project tables directly (eg: SQL queries) should continue working normally.
:::